“Don’t go on, if you feel you might regret it. Of course, as Mr. Appleby’s confidential secretary, I know most of his affairs. May I say that I’m very sorry for you, and may I offer my help, if you can use me in any way?”
“How kind you are, Mr. Keefe. But if you know the details of the matter, you know that I am in a fearful dilemma. Oh, if only that man were out of existence!”
“Oh, Miss Wheeler,” and Keefe looked undisguisedly shocked.
“I don’t mean anything wrong,” Maida’s eyes were piteous, “but I don’t know what to do! I’ve no one to confide in—no way to turn for help—for advice——”
“Why, Miss Wheeler, you have parents, friends——”
“No one that I can speak to! Forgive me, Mr. Keefe, but I am nearly out of my mind. Forgive me, if I ask you to leave me—will you?”
“Of course, you poor child! I ought to have sensed that I was intruding!”
With a courteous bow, he walked away, leaving Maida alone on the seat beneath the old sycamore.
She thought long and deeply. She seemed to grow older and more matured of judgment as she dealt with the big questions in her mind.
After a long time she came to her decision. Torn and wracked with emotions, she bravely faced the many-sided situation, and made up her mind. Then she got up and walked into the house.